A TEAM of archaeologists unearthed a long-lost Tudor garden at Sudeley Castle.

A recent geophysical survey has revealed the ghostly outline of a long-lost Tudor garden, with traces of what could have been a banqueting house in the same area where pieces of Tudor masonry were found in the 19th century. Now experts say it is time to investigate further.

The dig took place at the Winchcombe visitor attraction on Saturday and Sunday, October 13 and 14, and is thought to be the most significant archaeological investigation since the discovery of Roman villas on the estate in Victorian times.

Best-selling historical novelist Dr Philippa Gregory joined the team. Philippa, who’s well-known works include The Other Boleyn Girl and The White Queen, started her research into Sudeley Castle whilst working on a novel about Katherine Parr, Henry VIII’s last wife.

Philippa said: “Sudeley is a fascinating site. It was always one of the most treasured by the Tudor monarchs and as such, housed those closest to the crown. Lavish banquets, with dozens of guests and many courses, would have been common there. I can’t wait to see what else this excavation can tell us about life there.”

For nearly 1,000 years, Sudeley Castle has hosted some of England’s most famous monarchs including Henry VIII. It is also where Katherine Parr, Henry’s last wife, later lived and was finally laid to rest.

Today Sudeley Castle is widely recognised as one of the most romantic and beautiful castles in England, surrounded by a 1,200 acre estate and 10 award-winning gardens.